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Thursday, 10 March 2016

Moving Heaven and Earth.....

This year we celebrate the tercentenary of Lancelot
‘Capability’ Brown- the creator of many of England’s most cherished landscapes.

Although he has his critics (visionary- or vandal?) there’s
no doubt that Brown’s name is synonymous with the smoothly contoured hills and
perfectly placed watercourses that so closely copy nature. The very essence of
“Englishness.”

Croome Park NT Images/ David Noton

I have always been fascinated by his engineering skills- his
ability to manipulate water- changing
watercourses and creating of lakes. Just
the temerity he had to sweep away whole villages if they stood in the way of his
plans to create an idealised view. How
did he manage to picture the finished landscape, with none of our modern measuring
tools and digital equipment? How did
they work on such a vast scale with none of our powerful earth- moving equipment?

“Moving Heaven and Earth: Capability Brown’s Gift of
Landscape,” is the title of Steffie Shields’ Spring Lecture for the LRGT.

Steffie Shields

It is also the title of her new book, due to
be published in May. Celebrated historian, photographer and writer Steffie will explore the surviving highlights
of Brown’s career, and will include local worksat Belvoir Castle , Stapleford Park, and Burghley House.

Steffie is organising an exhibition in London of
contemporary photography as part of the
Capability Brown Tercentenary Celebrations. She is on the University of Cambridge
Tutors Panel, Institute of Continuing Education, Madingley, and is Advisor to the
Steering Group working towards the national celebrations this year.

First things first

.

Leicestershire and Rutland Gardens Trust

The Leicestershire and Rutland Gardens Trust are a voluntary organisation and a registered charity. The LRGT bring together people from all walks of life who are devoted to protecting our landscape, parks and gardens.

If you have ever felt inspired by a visit to a garden, or saddened by a neglected park you’ll know how important this is. So why not join our group of garden enthusiasts?

As a member you will be able to enjoy an interesting programme of garden visits and lectures as well as the opportunity to learn more about our garden heritage and how you can help to protect it for future generations.